DESTINATION: Portland
Located 366km south-west of Melbourne and close to the South Australian border, Portland is the only deepwater port between Melbourne and Adelaide. During the first half of the 19th century, Portland was a base for sealers and whalers. The town now has a fishing fleet concentrating on lobster and abalone. It is also a service centre for the pastoral hinterland. The town's major industry is now a huge aluminium smelter, which is also open for tours (check times). Main AttractionsAs Victoria's first permanent settlement (1834), Portland has many interesting old buildings, some of them still used for their original purpose. Most of them are included on the self-guided historical walk. The local museum is located in the old Town Hall. Nearby is the still-used bluestone Customs House, built in 1849. The information centre is located at the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre. Displays include a 13m sperm whale skeleton and visitors can sit inside its rib cage. Fawthrop Lagoon is a unique wetland area within the city boundary. There are approximately 5km of walking tracks throughout the reserve. Portland Botanic Gardens (completed in 1857) feature stunning rose and dahlia gardens and a charming bluestone curator's cottage. |
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Most popular photosNearby attractionsCape Nelson SP, 11km SW, features a National Trust-classified lighthouse. Cape Bridgewater, 21km SW, has many blowholes and freshwater springs; a walking track leads to the Petrified Forest, the remains of a forest that was covered by a sand dune thousands of years ago. Nearby, the cape's colony of fur seals can be seen from a viewing platform or by taking a boat trip. The 250km (around 10 days) Great South West Walk begins and ends in Portland. This walk can be undertaken in easy stages; it takes in a variety of landscapes and seascapes in a number of state, coastal and national parks through to Discovery Bay and Cape Nelson. latest stories
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Copyright 2007,
by the Contributing Authors.
Cite/attribute Resource.
cmsadmin. (2005, May 20). Portland. Retrieved July 06, 2009, from Plan Book Travel Australia Web site: http://www.planbooktravel.com.au/australia/vic/portland.
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Universal Publishers.
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Region: Great Ocean RoadLocal WeatherTourist info
Lee Breakwater Rd, Ph: (03) 5523 2671
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